Place pour toi

Chemical engineering

Made for you if you’re passionate about science and research and want to transform matter to design products and processes that change the world.

Did you know

  • $135,382

  • 4 years

    Duration of the bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering

  • Top 15

    Among the 15 university-level professions with the best job prospects

  • A mistake that led to… Crocs

    While working on cushions and pillows for spas, Quebec chemical engineers accidentally discovered an antimicrobial, non-slip, anti-perspirant plastic material. It eventually led to the design of Crocs sandals.

  • The paper industry hires nearly one third of Quebec’s chemical engineering graduates.

    Quebec is a major player in wood fibre processing and the pulp and paper sector.

  • One of the 15 university-level professions with the best future prospects

    Chemical engineering is among the professions with strong long-term job prospects.

What you will actually do

As a chemical engineer, you’ll transform raw materials and optimize industrial processes to create safer, cleaner, and more efficient solutions.

  • Manage research projects aimed at developing chemical and mechanical processes that separate components from raw materials, purify them, and improve their performance.
  • Work with patent agents to protect new products and processes.
  • Experiment with the physical and chemical aspects of processes to select suitable substances for production and appropriate materials for facilities.
  • Use simulation and calculation tools to evaluate the equipment and instruments required for chemical processes.
  • Establish energy and materials balances and help reduce environmental impacts.

Source: REPÈRES, the official school and career information website (in French)

Where do you see yourself?

Chemical engineers work in a wide range of industries, from manufacturing to environmental services.

  • Non-ferrous metal production and processing companies (excluding aluminum)
  • Agri-food industry
  • Chemical industry
  • Pulp and paper industry
  • Plastics industry
  • Pharmaceutical and drug industry
  • Refined petroleum product industry
  • Steel industry
  • Environmental consulting services
  • Testing and analytical laboratory services

ENGINEERING TO THE RESCUE

Reduce major-accident risk by 1,000%? A chemical engineering feat.

Chemical engineering students helped replace liquefied chlorine with a safer solution at the CEZinc plant in Valleyfield. Result: a 1,000% reduction in major-accident risk—along with lower operating costs.

20% to 40% less

chemicals in water

FROM RAW MATERIALS TO BIG INVENTIONS

A cellulose fibre that helps decontaminate water.

A Quebec research team developed a cellulose-fibre technology that treats water more efficiently. The result: 20% to 40% fewer chemicals used—while removing even more contaminants.

Read the article about cellulose fibre

Play Mission Génie to discover the type of engineering that suits you!

An interactive game to explore the different types of engineering and find the one that best matches your interests and talents.